Obama-Era Safety Rules for Truck Drivers Delayed

BROWARD, Florida. According to the Hill, Trump’s Transportation Department is delaying Obama-era requirements for bus and truck drivers. The new regulations, passed last December, would require bus drivers to complete 15 hours of on-the-road training and truck drivers to complete another 30 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Now, for the third time since Trump became president, the implementations of the new requirements have been delayed as part of a general regulatory moratorium put in place by the administration.

Why is training important? Proper training can not only save the lives of truck drivers, but can also protect others who share the road with these large vehicles. Truck drivers face one of the most difficult jobs in the country. Not only do drivers work long hours, with little rest, but they also face extended periods of time away from home and their families. According to the New York Times, deregulation has resulted in lowered salaries for truck drivers, placing pressure on drivers to work longer hours. One trucker told the reporter, “I challenge you to ask 100 of these guys, ‘Did you get a good night’s sleep last night?’” Sleep is a major issue for long-haul truckers. While truckers are required to abide by federal hours of service laws, truck companies may place immense pressure on drivers to meet tight schedules.

Truckers who have become independent contractors may find themselves driving overtime to pay their bills, and, hopefully, earn a profit. Many truck drivers are hard workers trying to make a living in a multi-billion dollar industry. At the end of the day, those who own the companies often make immense profits at the expense of the drivers at the bottom of the chain.

This can create confusion when individuals are injured in truck accidents. Victims may believe that truck accidents, like car accidents, involve insurers and the two drivers involved. They may think that their only option is to sue the truck driver. However, when a truck accident occurs, many stakeholders may be involved. Drivers may indeed be responsible, but other parties may also have a role to play as well. These groups could include the truck company, the shipping companies, and other parties that maintain the truck. Truck companies are required to abide by strict laws regarding maintenance of vehicles and compliance with local and federal laws.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, you may only have a limited time to seek compensation or justice under the law. The Madalon law firm are Broward, Florida truck accident lawyers who work with victims and families to help them pursue justice when a truck company or driver’s negligence results in an accident. Because trucks carry such large loads, accidents can be much more serious. Victims may face months to years of medical care, rehabilitation, and time missed from work. If you have been hurt, you may have important rights. Visit the personal injury lawyers at https://madalonlaw.com/ today.